CASTLE STUART is the perfect setting for The Open warm-up and a strong field has gathered in the north of Scotland.
World No.1 Luke Donald starts as short-priced favourite to defend his Scottish Open title and is 8-1 favourite with the likes of William Hill, Ladbrokes and bet365.
The price is a little short with Donald surely honing his game for a tilt at the big one at Royal Lytham a week later but the Englishman is the only top-10 player in the line-up so should go close.
Second favourite at double Donald's odds is 16-1 shot Padraig Harrington and the Irishman is a potential winner if he putts well.
Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts, third at Castle Stuart last year, is fourth favourite behind Francisco Molinari (20-1, various) and he will have backers at 22-1 with Paddy Power.
Phil Mickelson is one the galleries are likely to follow and the late entrant is a best 30-1 at Paddy Power. But again the American is looking to find his game for Lytham after failing to break par in his last seven rounds.
Aberdonian Paul Lawrie recently stated he'd rather win at Castle Stuart than lift another Claret Jug. And the Scot, Open champ in 1999, can't be ignored at 30-1 at BetVictor after top-threes on his last five starts.
US-based Scot Martin Laird arrives home on the back of his tied-11th finish at the AT&T National and he available at 50-1 (various).
Another player on form is Ross Fisher who could be worth a look at 22-1 (various) after finishing in the top 10 in each of his last four starts, including a runner-up spot at the Nordea Masters. His record at the Scottish Open is outstanding and he could be worth a look each-way.
South African Ernie Els is enjoying a resurgence with six top-10s this year and has been in the top 20 in seven appearances at the Scottish Open, including victory in 2003. Els is a biggest 28-1 at Paddy Power.
French winners of the Scottish Open include Thomas Levet and Gregory Havret and their best chance this time could be Raphael Jacquelin who was third at the French Open last week. Jacquelin is 70-1 at bet365.
Recommendations
Donald
(8-1, various)
Fisher ew
(22-1, various)
Lawrie ew
(30-1, BetVictor)
Jacquelin
(70-1, bet365)
In December 2020 we sadly 
good tips ther Paul. Fancy Colsaerts to do well. Will be following Phil dont think he’ll win but a goodfella/speaks to you signs autographs etc. Hope yer wrong about Fisher doing well tho Paul..watched him when he finished last year and jogged past ignored a pile of wee boys looking for an autograph/balls Fisher responded to the calls and said “i don’t have any balls!”..and I thot to masel..nah don’t think ya have mate!! ;-))
Guy, that’s poor what you have to say about Fisher. Don’t like to see that – although if he wins me money who cares about manners! Colsaerts is becoming a top player but my only fear is if the scores go low he might not hole enough putts. But that depends on the weather though.
Absolutely Paul…10 mins signing chatting to folk isn’t asking much…disappointing but dare say it alienated 40/50 folk mostly kids who won’t be cheering for him this time nor for the rest of his career!! Mickelson in comparison is a gent stays until everyone gets an autograph etc
Guy, how long they stay is quite often reflected by what they score. Think Monty, great when winning but someone not to approach after a poor round.
R U coming up to spectate Paul? Weather not great/cloudy but just a few showers. think the forecast aint too bad next 3 days shouln’t be landslides this year anyway!!
Guy, I thought about going up but I’d need to take the boy and although he plays I don’t know how long he’d last watching it. It’s a long way to go but I might change my mind before the weekend as I’m off anyway.
I have gone with:
P Harrington 16/1
N Colsaerts 25/1
H Stenson 30/1
P Lawrie 30/1
I’m on Drysdale, Grace, Cabrera-Bello and Lynn.
Good luck all
Jacquelin -3 through 3. Wish I’d read this post earlier!
Gary, looks like Jacquelin will finish five or six under so will be in contention. All of my guys are doing well except Lawrie but if Molinari stays as hot as he is he could run with it.
Paul
Just getting over my team playing in div 3 but happy with it and need to re-build. Love my golf also but not playing too good! I am a member at Prestwick Old Course and I know you love our golf! Would be delighted to take you there for a day in August. Let me know if you are interested and I will e-mail you dates
Bruce, it’s a nice offer. Obviously, I’ll be extremely busy come August but once the season starts I’ll check my diary and let you know. I’ve played Prestwick a couple of times with a lad at the Record who is a member but never the Old Course. Can you email me at mrfixit@dailyrecord.co.uk so I remember to get back to you.
Will e-mail you on Monday
Played the Scottish Boys at Old Prestwick the year Lloyd Saltman won it,very nice course with a real historical feel 2 it. Couple too many blind shots for my liking tho. I remember a par3 in particular where u were looking straight at a wall of railway sleepers
That’s the 5th hole and also a very difficult blind 2nd shot to the par 4 17th. Great history – first Open played there in 1860! 24 more Opens from then until 1925
Bruce, thanks. I’m off all next week but will start to look at dates when I get back.
Jonathan, I’d expect it to be tough. Will need to get my new driver going before playing there for sure.
Got Mickelson E/W @ 25’s yesterday and now hes 8’s
C’mon Phil.
Hey david i has a fiver free bet in my 888 account and stuck it on phil yesterday at 25’s. Heres hopin!!
Aye well good luck to ya joe. It would be brilliant if it came through a wanty by a new rescue wood hahaha. At would be good a wining bet on the golf enabling me to buy a new golf club.